Shrek The Musical

Shrek the Musical
Gold Reef City
24 June – 17 July 2016
 
 

A Shrektacular show ideal for the winter holidays
  
Make room for ogre-sized family fun as the greatest fairy-tale never told comes to life in the Broadway and West End hit Shrek The Musical which heads to Johannesburg for a limited season at The Lyric Theatre, Gold Reef City from 24 June to 17 July 2016.
 
From the producers of Little Shop of Horrors, Cabaret and more recently Sweeney ToddKickstArt now brings Jozi audiences the musical stage adaptation of DreamWork’s global movie phenomenon Shrek!, set to delight old and young during the June/July holidays.
 
The talented local 28-strong cast will be bringing these instantly recognizable characters to life in this fabulous, fun, charming and hugely funny musical.
 
The leads are portrayed by Lyle Buxton (Cabaret, Annie, Beauty and the Beast, Sweeney Todd) as ShrekRory Booth (Xtrafactor, Puss in Boots, Aladdin) as Donkey and Jessica Sole (Cabaret, I Love You You’re Perfect Now Change, Orpheus in Africa) as Princess Fiona.
 
Also in the cast are Jacobus van Heerden (Popcorn, Little Shop of Horrors, The Ladykillers) as the diminutive Lord Farquaad; Graeme Wicks (Sweeney Todd, Aladdin) as PinocchioCharon Williams Ros as Gingy the Gingerbread Man and a ferocious fire-breathing dragon.... With a huge cast of fairytale characters, and a chorus of tap dancing rats!!
 
The stellar cast also includes; Ashleigh Harvey, Kyra Green, Luciano Zuppa, Samuel Hyde, Daniel Fisher, Tumelo Tokgwi, Senzo Radebe, Zchane Zietsman, Shani McLea, Sarah Richard, Caitlyn Thompson, Sarah Falconer and more.
 
The Johannesburg premiere of the hit Broadway show Shrek The Musical will be the first of many major productions to be staged at Gold Reef City following the completion of the recent multi-million Rand redevelopment; the premiere entertainment destination in the south of Johannesburg.
 
The recent extensive refurbishment and expansion of Gold Reef City has created a perfect opportunity for us to stage this superb and larger-than-life Broadway inspired musical adaptation of the hit movie “Shrek”.  This magnificent production will feature a large cast, spectacular music and great humour that will delight both children and adults alike”, says Noeleen Bruton,  Director of Marketing –  Tsogo Sun Group.
 
Shrek the Musical is directed by Steven Stead, designed by Greg King, choreographed by Janine Bennewith, lighting by Tina le Roux with musical direction by Rowan Bakker. It is based on the 2001 DreamWorks Animation Motion Picture Shrek! and the book by William Steig. The musical adaptation has book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire and music by Jeanine Tesori.
 
 
Shrek the Musical has become a global phenomenon with productions staged internationally including on the WestEnd and Broadway. With an enormous cast, a fabulous score; speedy set changes; extravagant costumes, prosthetics and make-up – this is quite possibly one of the most challenging and elaborate productions staged by multi-award winning producers, KickstArt. It promises to be quite extraordinary, deliciously funny and a joyous romp for the whole family!  
 
 The story revolves around a benign ogre named Shrek who lives contentedly alone in a swamp. However, his solitude is disrupted when a band of disgruntled fairytale creatures show up on his property after having been banished from the Kingdom of Duloc, on pain of death, by the evil Lord Farquaad.
 
Irritated by having to share his swamp, Shrek journeys to see Farquaad  with the intention of regaining his privacy. On the road, he rescues a talkative donkey who insists on tagging along to show him the way. Shrek and Donkey arrive in Duloc where Farquaad demands that Shrek rescue his intended, Princess Fiona. The two unlikely friends set off to save Fiona. After a quest involving a fire-breathing lady dragon, Princess Fiona is “rescued” from the tower by Shrek. On the way back to Duloc, Shrek and Princess Fiona get better acquainted and Donkey tries, unsuccessfully, to match-make them.
 
As Princess Fiona and Lord Farquaad are about to be married, there is an uprising from the fairytale characters, and Princess Fiona realises that Lord Farqaad is perhaps not her champion after all. And in the tradition of all good fairy stories, the villain is vanquished, the hero finds true love, and they all live happily ever after.... 
 
A highly successful inaugural season in Durban in 2015 garnered the production seven awards in the prestigious Mercury Durban Theatre Awards (2014/5) including; Sound Design (Stephanie Pais), Lighting Design (Tina Le Roux); Director (Steven Stead); Supporting Actor: Musical Theatre (Jacobus van Heerden); Lead Actress (Jessica Sole); Lead Actor (Lyle Buxton) and the coveted Musical Theatre Production Award.
 
In the recent BroadwayWorld.com 2015 Awards, Shrek received two further awards; for best Costume Design (Greg King) and Best Family Friendly Entertainment.

And now it’s Jozi’s turn to enjoy this Shrektacular theatre production that’s been turbo charged as it brings a favourite movie to life on stage!
 
There is no better quality entertainment to be enjoyed in the winter holidays that’s ideal for everyone, not just the kids. A Broadway production at an affordable price!
 
Shrek The Musical is on at The Lyric Theatre, Gold Reef City from 24 June to 17 July 2016.
Afternoon performances run from Wednesdays to Sundays at 14h30 with evening performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 19h30.
Bookings can be made at www.goldreefcity.co.za or by calling The Gold Reef City Box Office on 011 248 5000 or through Computicket.
 
Tickets range from R150 – R290.

A variety of discounts apply:
  • Tsogo Sun Rewards cardholders enjoy instant savings: 10% (Gold); 15% (Platinum); 20% (Black).
  • Group bookings of 20 or more qualify for a 10% discount if booked directly with the Gold Reef City Box Office only on 011 248 5000.
  • Edgars Club card holders enjoy a 10% discount.
  • Shrek-tacular Show & Stay Deals are available at The Gold Reef City Theme Park Hotel and include a delicious buffet breakfast at Barney’s Restaurant, access to all major rides and entertainment in the Theme Park, show tickets, and complimentary shuttle service to and from the casino complex.  Visitgoldreefcity.co.za for      information, contact Gold Reef City Reservations on 011 248 5700, or email Goldreef.reservations@tsogosun.com to book today.
 
The show runs for 2 hours 10 minutes with a 20-minute interval.
 
NO CHILDREN UNDER 4 YEARS will be admitted into the auditorium.
 

Feature on Snesh aka Si Jones

Snesh aka Si Jones

Age: 22
Location: Pretoria East (Gauteng)
Cell: 079 586 4119
Email: sijones@sijones.co.za

Sinesipho Magangana famously known as Snesh, and Si Jones to her fans, was introduced to the decks by her love of house music in 2012. Ever since then she has never looked back but learned the ropes and climbed the ladder of the entertainment scene with a consistent steady.

Despite being currently the most celebrated female dj in Grahamstown and the Eastern Cape, she still believes there is a lot more to learn and intends to attain perfection. Apart from her love for music, Snesh has house music lovers eating out of her palm as she dishes the best there is in the house music fraternity on her radio show, Mix Lab 4 Beats at a campus radio station called Rhodes Music Radio.

In her show she explores the current sounds, movers and shakers, while sharing with other house heads her own definition of house music. Because of her glittering personality, she is able to attract the audience and convert them into her followers who attend her live gigs in and around Grahamstown. The show also provides a platform for her to interact and create a rapport with listeners and followers.

Despite breaking in to dj’ing few years ago, she has already achieved a lot, she is currently the only female resident dj at Grahamstown’s biggest night club, Prime, she is a producer and a main anchor for a house show at RMR 89.7 FM, which boost an impressive following, she was a finalist on Redbull Campus Clash Competition, Rhodes University Editions.

She is already a regular feature on Nitegrooves, Grahamstown’s biggest party, which attracts well over a thousand Rhodes University students and other party lovers. Snesh has furthermore gone to receive the Rhodes Music Radio 2015 award for best specialist show producer and best specialist show presenter for Mix Lab 4 Beats.

To echo her sound up and curve to stardom, she has already shared stages with the likes of Ms Cosmo and Mobi Dixon and has supported artists such as KIDX to name but a few. Because of her creative and versatile character, she started incorporating Hip Hop in her sets to accommodate a wider audience. Snesh is a final year student at Rhodes University, majoring in law and environmental science.

Apart from her studies and dj’ing, she is also a creative mind and is into fashion designing and modelling. She is also an entrepreneur on her own right, and currently started conceptualizing a brand called “Love Style” with a partner, which is a swimwear and Bohemian chic inspired clothing line. Snesh is a founding member of Suave Gang Accessories, A female group which sold and distributed accessories around the Eastern Cape.

Recently she fell in love with producing, as a creative person, she believes she will soon release unique sounds that define her and has never been heard before.

She uses all her creative energy and brains towards building a sustainable brand to stand all the challenges in this predominantly masculine space. She believes in her brand and aspires to be a national act in two years to come to add to the list of successful female dj’s and provide a solid entertainment.

Iconic South African Jazz Idols reunite at Emperors Palace


Iconic South African Jazz Idols reunite at Emperors Palace

 

The Jazz Epistles were South Africa's earliest most influential Jazz (bebop) band.  This was an all-black, all esteemed band of young, swaggered men consisting of these world-famous names. Abdullah Ibrahim (then known as Dollar Brand)  on piano, Hugh Masekela  on trumpet, Jonas Gwangwa on trombone, Kippie Moeketsi – on alto saxophone, Johnny Gertze  on bass, Makaya  Ntshoko  and Early Mabuza  on drums.

The band was in full swing in the 1960s, the height of terror on the black man. These gentlemen were young, smart, creatives and jazz- cool. After time and a lot of heated practice, they emerged as a resistant, anti-apartheid music group. Jamming into the late and fuzzy nights on the streets of Sophiatown, especially at the Jazz at the Odin Club, they morphed into the legendary Jazz Epistles. Their adoring fans were mesmerized by their yellows, blues and reds resonating as the piece strolls, swims, dips and swings. Their music filled the dusty streets of the townships and fired the hearts of the youth who were adamant to stand-up for a South Africa that is free and fair. The electric high-life of the Jazz Epistles was short-lived after a group spat.

After years in exile and liberated South Africa it is only now in 2016; for the first time in 60 years that these two iconic jazz instrumentalists and South African global jazz ambassadors; Abdullah Ibrahim and Hugh Masekela will reunite and perform on one stage in solidarity and recognition of all those who were a part of the historical 1976 youth march, the Jazz Epistles are reuniting to celebrate the 40th year anniversary of the June 16 and 22 years of South Africa’s democracy. These two human rights activists, apartheid fighters and global icons have seen it all. Their music has played a huge role in liberating South Africa from apartheid and continues to influence the global jazz landscape.

“The last time Adbullah and I played as the Jazz Epistles was in 1960.We look forward to this concert and pay tribute to the Jazz Epistles. We are plotting secrets and happy surprises for our audience. We are calmly excited and greatly looking forward to sharing the stage after such a long time.” enthuses Hugh Masekela

For 2 nights ONLY on June 15th and 16th these legendary icons will be joined by EKAYA JAZZ BAND. They  will each perform their individual sets on stage at Emperors Palace, Centre Court Arena in the Convention Centre  and then collaborate in a much anticipated never been experienced grand finale. They will time travel into the nostalgia and perform together; however this time, in a modern and colourful South Africa they could have only dreamt of in their days together.

Tickets are available from R480 and can be purchased through the Emperors Palace Box Office on                                         011 928 1297/1213, or by visiting www.emperorspalace.com or www.ticketpro.co.za.

Emperors Palace is a Peermont resort. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @emperorspalace.

Disney On Ice Johannesburg Information

JOHANNESBURG SHOW INFORMATION
 
VENUE:
The TICKETPRO Dome
 
SHOW DATES AND TIMES:  Friday, 24 June to Sunday, 3 July 2016
Friday, 24 June - 6pm
Saturday 25 June and Sunday 26 June  10am, 2pm, 6pm
Tuesday, 28 June  11am, 3pm
Wednesday, 29 June  11am
Thursday, 30 June – 11am
Friday, 01 July  10am, 2pm
Saturday, 02 July and Sunday, 03 July  10am, 2pm, 6pm
 
TICKET PRICES:
Weekend – R175, R275, R375, R475 per person inclusive
Weekdays-  R100, R 200, R275, R375 per person inclusive
VERY IMPORTANT: No babies in arms without a purchased ticket.
 
FAMILY PACKAGES
Weekend Packages                   R   375.00*     R     475.00*     SAVING
4 Tickets less R30 per ticket      R 1 380.00      R  1 780.00     R 120.00
5 Tickets less R 30 per ticket     R 1 725.00      R   2 225.00    R 150.00
6 Tickets less R 30 per ticket     R 2 070.00      R  2 670.00     R 180.00
 
*Only valid for two categories as indicated
Midweek Family Packages     R   275.00*     R    375.00*     SAVING
4 Tickets less R40 per ticket    R   940.00       R   1 340.00     R 160.00
5 Tickets less R 40 per ticket    R 1 175.00      R  1 675.00     R 200.00
6 Tickets  less R 40 per ticket   R 1 410.00      R  2 010.00     R 240.00
*Only valid for two categories as indicated
 
BOOKINGS
Computicket by calling 0861 915 8000, visit www.computicket.com or visit your nearest Computicket service centre.
 
GROUP BOOKINGS
20% Discount on groups of 20 and more – all midweek performances only
Bookings through Jill Somers, 079 218 1658, sales@showtime.co.za
 
####
 
CAPE TOWN SHOW INFORMATION
 
VENUE:
Grand Arena, Grand West
 
SHOW DATES: Wednesday 6 July to Sunday, 10 July 2016
TIMES:
Wednesday, 6 July at 2pm, & 6pm
Thursday, 7 July at 11am & 3pm
Friday, 8 July at 10am, 2pm, 6pm
Saturday, 9 July and Sunday 10 July 2015 at 10am, 2pm and 6pm
 
TICKET PRICES:
Weekdays (Wed – Fri) – R150, R250, R350 per person inclusive
 
Saturdays and Sundays - R200, R300, R400 per person inclusive
IMPORTANT INFORMATION: No babies in arms without a purchased ticket.
 
FAMILY PACKAGES:
Weekday Family Packages         R 250.00*     R 350.00*   SAVING
4 Tickets less R40 per ticket       R 840.00     R1240.00     R 160.00
5 Tickets less R 40 per ticket      R 1050.00     R1550.00    R 200.00
6 Tickets  less R 40 per ticket     R1260.00       R1860.00      R 240.00
*Only valid for two categories as indicated
 
Weekend Family Packages      R  300.00*     R   400.00*    SAVING
4 Tickets less R30 per ticket       R1080.00      R1480.00    R 120.00
5 Tickets less R 30 per ticket      R1350.00      R1850.00    R 150.00
6 Tickets  less R 30 per ticket    R1620.00      R2220.00    R 180.00
*Only valid for two categories as indicated
 
BOOKINGS:
Computicket by calling 0861 915 8000, visit www.computicket.com or visit your nearest Computicket service centre.
 
GROUP BOOKINGS
20% Discount on groups of 20 and more – all midweek performances only
Bookings through Jill Somers, 079 218 1658, sales@showtime.co.za
###
 
About Feld Entertainment
Feld Entertainment is the worldwide leader in producing and presenting live touring family entertainment experiences that lift the human spirit and create indelible memories, with 30 million people in attendance at its shows each year. Feld Entertainment’s productions have appeared in more than 75 countries and on six continents to date and include Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey®, Monster Jam®, Monster Energy Supercross, Nuclear Cowboyz®, AMSOIL Arenacross, Disney On Ice, Disney Live! and Marvel Universe LIVE! More information on Feld Entertainment is available online at www.feldentertainment.com.
 
About Showtime Management (SA) Originally founded by Hazel Feldman and now with her son and partner, Tony – Showtime Management has set the benchmark for the presentation of quality, international-standard shows and events, many of which have been presented throughout South Africa, Asia, Europe and Las Vegas.  Concert productions include: The Rolling Stones; Frank Sinatra; Elton John; Rod Stewart; Pavarotti; Seal; Diana Ross; Liza Minnelli; The 3 Tenors; Black Eyed Peas; Deadmau5; 50 Cent; George Benson; Swedish House Mafia, the FIFA 2010 Kick-off Concert with John Legend; Shakira and a host of international and local artistes; Tap Dogs; Hardwell; the Electric 2014 NYE Ball featuring the legendary Carl Cox, Eminem’s Rapture SA Tour, Ultra 2014, Cirque Eloize and Disney on Ice 100 Years of Magic.   This year’s line-up featured Ultra 2015, Jason Mraz, Disney On Ice presents Let’s Celebrate, Russell Brand, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre and Engelbert HumperdinckMusical Theatre productions include FAME; CHICAGO; WE WILL ROCK YOU, BEAUTY & THE BEAST; HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL; RENT; MAMMA MIA!; DREAMGIRLS; MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL; BEAUTIFUL CREATURES; DIRTY DANCING and JERSEY BOYS South Africa, Asia and Turkey. More information available at www.showtime.co.za.
 
ABOUT THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY IN AFRICA:
The Walt Disney Company (TWDC), together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise with five business segments: media networks, parks and resorts, studio entertainment, consumer products and interactive media group.  TWDC is the home of Disney, Disney•Pixar, Marvel, ABC Studios, ESPN and Lucasfilm.
 
The Walt Disney Company Africa (TWDCA) has been active across the continent for over 50 years. TWDCA has three channels on the Multichoice DSTV platform which operates across the continent – Disney Channel (celebrating its 10th birthday in 2016), Disney Junior and Disney XD – and is one of the leading provider of children’s TV channels in Africa. Disney is also one of the top distributors of US programming in the region, bringing network series, movies as well as Disney-branded kids and family content to TV viewers. These include top rating US network ABC Studios series such as Grey’s AnatomyHow to get away with Murder, The Fixer, Quantico and Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
 
TWDCA’s film distribution arm is a leader for family movies in cinemas and on DVD and Blu-Ray. In December 2015, Star Wars returned to the big screen with Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Not only did the film launch as the biggest December opening weekend of all time, but also went on to become Disney’s biggest release ever, currently sitting as the 3rd biggest film of all time in the history of the South African Box Office. In December 2016, the first film in the new standalone Star Wars stories series, Rogue One, will hit cinemas. Recent animated feature releases include Disney•Pixar’s Inside Out and The Good Dinosaur, with 2016 seeing the much anticipated release of Disney•Pixar’s Finding Dory in June. Marvel releases for the year include Captain America: Civil War and Dr Strange.
 
2014 and 2015 saw local production stops of both Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron and the live-action Disney film Queen of Katwe respectively. In February, ABC Studios completed production of the live-action series Of Kings and Prophets in Cape Town and Disney Channel is currently airing its first ever local production, I Love Violetta, a companion series to the channel’s #1-rated show, Violetta.
 
Feld Entertainment’s Disney On Ice returned to South Africa for the fourth time in 2015 with Let’s Celebrate! with a 21% year-on-year increase in attendance. The Disney family extravaganza returns in 2016 with Worlds of Enchantment this June and July.
 
As part of the company’s on-going commitment to help family’s lead healthy and happy lifestyles, Disney, in collaboration with Discovery Vitality, launched the Disney Healthy Living Website in 2015. The online destination offers families engaging content, useful tools and unique experiences to make nutritious eating and physical activity more appealing and fun for their children. Disney Baby Africa was also launched, offering expecting and new parents information, resources, inspiring ideas and more to create magical moments through pregnancy, birth and the early years of raising their children.
 
To find out more about all things TWDCA, fans and families can connect via:
-       Disney’s dedicated website: www.disney.co.za
-       Mobisite: disneyafrica.mobi
-       Facebook:
-       Disney Healthy Living: www.disneyhealthyliving.co.za
-       Disney Baby Africa: baby.disneyafrica.com
-       Youtube:
o   Disney Channel Africa: www.youtube.com/user/disneychannelza
o   Disney XD Africa: www.youtube.com/user/disneyxdza